How To Start Your Own Business. Part 16

Thinking of starting a business, but not sure what you need to know? Begin your journey here with my basic guide to business start-ups. In my role as Editor for The Business Show and Business Startup, I have talked with literally thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs about what they really need to know, not what a business guru thinks they need to know. This series is the result. Today’s blog looks at the people that get your products to the customer: your distributor.

Distributors

After your product is manufactured, it’s usually shipped or sold to a distributor. The distributor then sells the product to retailers or customers, with interest generated by marketing that is normally done by your company. Distributors are usually small companies, with a specific geographical area to look after. They should carry stock levels that mean customers can have instant delivery.

It’s a good idea to appoint a distributor who specialises in your type of product as they will have a better understanding of your customers. Make sure you fully brief them on your product’s features and benefits, so they understand what they’re selling. Keep them motivated with incentives and prizes for top sellers, as well as offering a reasonable margin in the first place. Remember that your distributor saves you from spending on sales people, vehicles and storage.

If you find the series – or any of the articles in it – useful, please share them via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or your own blog. I’d really appreciate it, thanks. If you need professional copywriting for anything from your first business plan to marketing collateral and press releases, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today to find out how I could help your business.